US8096202B2 - Transmission and gear changing method - Google Patents

Transmission and gear changing method Download PDF

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Publication number
US8096202B2
US8096202B2 US12/312,512 US31251207A US8096202B2 US 8096202 B2 US8096202 B2 US 8096202B2 US 31251207 A US31251207 A US 31251207A US 8096202 B2 US8096202 B2 US 8096202B2
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gear element
element pair
reduction ratio
gear
circular gear
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US20100064848A1 (en
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Masaharu Komori
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Kyoto University NUC
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Kyoto University NUC
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H61/00—Control functions within control units of change-speed- or reversing-gearings for conveying rotary motion ; Control of exclusively fluid gearing, friction gearing, gearings with endless flexible members or other particular types of gearing
    • F16H61/04—Smoothing ratio shift
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H3/00—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion
    • F16H3/02—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion
    • F16H3/08—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts
    • F16H3/087—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts characterised by the disposition of the gears
    • F16H3/089—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts characterised by the disposition of the gears all of the meshing gears being supported by a pair of parallel shafts, one being the input shaft and the other the output shaft, there being no countershaft involved
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H3/00—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion
    • F16H3/02—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion
    • F16H3/08—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts
    • F16H3/12—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts with means for synchronisation not incorporated in the clutches
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H61/00—Control functions within control units of change-speed- or reversing-gearings for conveying rotary motion ; Control of exclusively fluid gearing, friction gearing, gearings with endless flexible members or other particular types of gearing
    • F16H61/04—Smoothing ratio shift
    • F16H61/0403—Synchronisation before shifting
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H3/00—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion
    • F16H3/02—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion
    • F16H3/08—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts
    • F16H2003/0818—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts comprising means for power-shifting
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H35/00—Gearings or mechanisms with other special functional features
    • F16H2035/003—Gearings comprising pulleys or toothed members of non-circular shape, e.g. elliptical gears
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H61/00—Control functions within control units of change-speed- or reversing-gearings for conveying rotary motion ; Control of exclusively fluid gearing, friction gearing, gearings with endless flexible members or other particular types of gearing
    • F16H61/04—Smoothing ratio shift
    • F16H2061/0425—Bridging torque interruption
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H61/00—Control functions within control units of change-speed- or reversing-gearings for conveying rotary motion ; Control of exclusively fluid gearing, friction gearing, gearings with endless flexible members or other particular types of gearing
    • F16H61/04—Smoothing ratio shift
    • F16H2061/0425—Bridging torque interruption
    • F16H2061/0429—Bridging torque interruption by torque supply with a clutch in parallel torque path
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H2200/00—Transmissions for multiple ratios
    • F16H2200/003—Transmissions for multiple ratios characterised by the number of forward speeds
    • F16H2200/0034—Transmissions for multiple ratios characterised by the number of forward speeds the gear ratios comprising two forward speeds
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H2200/00—Transmissions for multiple ratios
    • F16H2200/003—Transmissions for multiple ratios characterised by the number of forward speeds
    • F16H2200/0039—Transmissions for multiple ratios characterised by the number of forward speeds the gear ratios comprising three forward speeds
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H3/00—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion
    • F16H3/02—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion
    • F16H3/08—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts
    • F16H3/087—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts characterised by the disposition of the gears
    • F16H3/093—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts characterised by the disposition of the gears with two or more countershafts
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
    • Y10T74/19—Gearing
    • Y10T74/19023—Plural power paths to and/or from gearing
    • Y10T74/19126—Plural drivers plural driven
    • Y10T74/19135—Spur
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
    • Y10T74/19—Gearing
    • Y10T74/19219—Interchangeably locked

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a transmission and a gear changing method, and in particular, to a transmission and a gear changing method to switch a reduction ratio.
  • the term “reduction ratio” is expressed as a driving side rotation speed/a driven side rotation speed (or an input side rotation speed/an output side rotation speed), and when a driven side rotation speed is lower than a driving side rotation speed (in a case of so-called speed reduction), a reduction ratio becomes a value greater than 1.
  • the term “reduction ratio” is expressed by use of the same definition even in a case in which a driven side rotation speed is higher than a driving side rotation speed (in a case of so-called speed-up), and in this case, a reduction ratio becomes a value less than 1.
  • Patent Document 1 Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2001-146964
  • Non-Patent Document 1 Edited by the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers, “Mechanical Engineering Handbook, Design, ⁇ 4: Machine Elements and Tribology,” First edition, published by the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers, on 25 Oct. 2005, p. 83.
  • the present invention has been achieved in consideration of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a transmission and a gear changing method capable of changing a reduction ratio while a load is supported without stopping rotation, and transmitting a rotation angle accurately and transmitting power efficiently.
  • the present invention provides a transmission configured as follows.
  • a transmission includes a first gear element pair and a second gear element pair which are at least two sets of gear element pairs, the first gear element pair and the second gear element pair are respectively arranged between an input member and an output member supported rotatably, and a first clutch and a second clutch which are at least two sets of clutches, the first clutch and the second clutch respectively couple at least two sets of the gear element pairs releasably between the input member and the output member.
  • the transmission includes at least one set of a non-circular gear element pair which is arranged between the input member and the output member, and at least one set of a non-circular gear element pair-use clutch that couples at least one set of the non-circular gear element pair releasably between the input member and the output member.
  • the non-circular gear element pair includes (a) a first meshing section in which a reduction ratio between the input member and the output member becomes equal to a first reduction ratio in at least a partial meshing section of the first gear element pair when the first gear element pair is coupled between the input member and the output member, and (b) a second meshing section in which a reduction ratio between the input member and the output member becomes equal to a second reduction ratio in at least a partial meshing section of the second gear element pair when the second gear element pair is coupled between the input member and the output member.
  • a reduction ratio between the input member and the output member is changed due to, for example, (1) in a state in which the first (or second) clutch couples the first (or second) gear element pair between the input member and the output member, to mesh together at the first (or second) reduction ratio, when the non-circular gear element pair meshes together in the first (or second) meshing section, the non-circular gear element pair-use clutch couples the non-circular gear element pair between the input member and the output member, (2) next, while the first (or second) gear element pair continues meshing together at the first (or second) reduction ratio, and while the non-circular gear element pair continues meshing together in the first (or second) meshing section, the first (or second) clutch releases the coupling of the first (or second) gear element pair, (3) next, in a state in which the non-circular gear element pair meshes together in the second (or first) meshing section, and in a state in which the second (or first) gear element pair meshes together at the second (or first) reduction ratio
  • the respective reduction ratios are the same when the gear element pair and the non-circular gear element pair are simultaneously coupled between the input member and the output member, it is possible to switch the gear element pair to be coupled between the input member and the output member while a load is supported without stopping rotation. Therefore, the respective reduction ratios when the gear element pair and the non-circular gear element pair are simultaneously coupled between the input member and the output member may be changed synchronously. That is, the first reduction ratio and the second reduction ratio may not be necessarily constant.
  • the non-circular gear element pair is to be transitionally coupled between the input member and the output member when switching a state at the first (or second) reduction ratio at which the first (or second) gear element pair is coupled between the input member and the output member and a state at the second (or first) reduction ratio at which the second (or first) gear element pair is coupled between the input member and the output member, it is possible to change a reduction ratio while a load is supported without stopping rotation, and to transmit a rotation angle accurately and transmit power efficiently.
  • gear elements broadly means elements having teeth, that include not only gears, but also sprockets, pulleys, and the like.
  • the term “gear element pairs” is not limited to a case in which teeth of gear elements directly mesh with each other, but also to a case in which teeth of gear elements indirectly mesh with each other to be interlocked via intermediate gears, synchronous belts, chains, and the like.
  • the term “gear element pair” may also be composed of, not only spur gears, helical gears, herring-bone gears, or sprockets, but also, bevel gears, internally-toothed gears, a planetary gear drive, or the like.
  • any one of a sun gear, an internally-toothed gear, and a carrier may be fixed, and a rotation of an input member may be transmitted to another one, and a rotation of the other one may be transmitted to an output member.
  • the transmission includes at least three sets of the gear element pairs, at least three sets of the clutches, at least two sets of the non-circular gear element pairs, and at least two sets of the non-circular gear element pair-use clutches.
  • a reduction ratio between the input member and the output member can be set to three or more stages (for example, a low reduction ratio, a medium reduction ratio, and a high reduction ratio) by the three or more sets of the gear element pairs, and it is possible to smoothly switch a reduction ratio by use of at least two sets of the non-circular gear element pairs.
  • the transmission is configured such that, when the input member rotates in a certain rotation direction, the first non-circular gear element pair has meshing sections at the low reduction ratio, the medium reduction ratio, and the high reduction ratio in this order, and repeats changing a reduction ratio in this order, and the second non-circular gear element pair has meshing sections at the high reduction ratio, the medium reduction ratio, and the low reduction ratio in this order, and repeats changing a reduction ratio in this order, and the first non-circular gear element pair is used when a reduction ratio is changed from the low reduction ratio to the medium reduction ratio, and from the medium reduction ratio to the high reduction ratio, and the second non-circular gear element pair is used when a reduction ratio is changed from the high reduction ratio to the medium reduction ratio, and from the medium reduction ratio to the low reduction ratio.
  • the transmission is configured such that the first non-circular gear element pair has meshing sections in which a reduction ratio becomes the low reduction ratio and the medium reduction ratio, and the second non-circular gear element pair has meshing sections in which a reduction ratio becomes the high reduction ratio and the medium reduction ratio, and the first non-circular gear element pair is used when a reduction ratio is changed from the low reduction ratio to the medium reduction ratio, and from the medium reduction ratio to the low reduction ratio, and the second non-circular gear element pair is used when a reduction ratio is changed from the high reduction ratio to the medium reduction ratio, and from the medium reduction ratio to the high reduction ratio.
  • the configuration is simplified as compared with a case in which a reduction ratio when the gear element pair is coupled between the input member and the output member changes, i.e., a case in which the gear element pair is composed of non-circular gear elements, and it is also easy to switch the reduction ratio between the input member and the output member.
  • one of the gear elements of the gear element pair is supported to be in a relatively rotatable state by one of the input member and the output member, and the other one of the gear elements of the gear element pair is fixed not to be in a relatively rotatable state to the other one of the input member and the output member.
  • the clutch connects one of the gear elements of the gear element pair releasably to one of the input member and the output member.
  • One of the non-circular gear elements of the non-circular gear element pair is supported to be in a relatively rotatable state by one of the input member and the output member.
  • the other one of the non-circular gear elements of the non-circular gear element pair is fixed not to be in a relatively rotatable state to the other one of the input member and the output member at least when the gear element pair coupled between the input member and the output member is switched.
  • the non-circular gear element pair-use clutch connects at least one of the non-circular gear elements of the non-circular gear element pair releasably to one of the input member and the output member. At least one of the clutch and the non-circular gear element pair-use clutch is a meshing clutch.
  • the first (or second) gear element pair When the non-circular gear element pair is coupled between the input member and the output member to mesh together in the first (or second) meshing section, even if the first (or second) gear element pair is not coupled between the input member and the output member, the first (or second) gear element pair rotates at the first (or second) reduction ratio in at least a partial meshing section, and rotation speeds at the driving side and the driven side of the first (or second) clutch are made equal to one another.
  • meshing clutches such as dog clutches whose driving side and driven side axially come close to and separate from each other and the driving side and driven side mechanically mesh together, can be used as the clutch and the non-circular gear element pair-use clutch, which makes it possible not to cause slipping in clutches.
  • the transmission preferably further includes an actuator that respectively drives the clutch and the non-circular gear element pair-use clutch, and a control device that controls operations of the actuator.
  • slidingly-contact members are provided in parallel with the respective non-circular gear elements forming the non-circular gear element pair.
  • the slidingly-contact members respectively rotate integrally with the respective non-circular gear elements, and outer circumferential surfaces thereof frictionally contact each other.
  • the non-circular gear element pair-use clutch is capable of simultaneously releasing both of a connection between the input member and the non-circular gear element pair and a connection between the non-circular gear element pair and the output member.
  • the present invention provides a gear changing method configured as follows.
  • a gear changing method is a gear changing method for changing a reduction ratio between an input member and an output member rotating.
  • the gear changing method includes (1) a first step of coupling a non-circular gear element pair between the input member and the output member so as to simultaneously mesh with the first (or second) gear element pair at the first (or second) reduction ratio, in a state in which a first (or second) gear element pair meshing together at a first (or second) reduction ratio in at least a partial meshing section is coupled between the input member and the output member, (2) a second step of releasing the coupling of the first (or second) gear element pair between the input member and the output member while the non-circular gear element pair and the first (or second) gear element pair simultaneously continue meshing together at the first (or second) reduction ratio, (3) a third step of coupling a second (or first) gear element pair meshing together at the second (or first) reduction ratio in at least a partial meshing section so as to simultaneously mesh with the non-circular gear element pair at the second (or first
  • the non-circular gear element pair is to be transitionally coupled between the input member and the output member when switching a state at the first (or second) reduction ratio at which the first (or second) gear element pair is coupled between the input member and the output member and a state at the second (or first) reduction ratio at which the second (or first) gear element pair is coupled between the input member and the output member, it is possible to change a reduction ratio while a load is supported without stopping rotation, and to transmit a rotation angle accurately and transmit power efficiently.
  • the respective reduction ratios are the same when the gear element pair and the non-circular gear element pair are simultaneously coupled between the input member and the output member, it is possible to switch the gear element pair to be coupled between the input member and the output member while a load is supported without stopping rotation. Therefore, the respective reduction ratios when the gear element pair and the non-circular gear element pair are simultaneously coupled between the input member and the output member may be changed synchronously. That is, the first reduction ratio and the second reduction ratio may not be necessarily constant.
  • the transmission preferably includes an input side speed-up and reduction gear device that connects so as to be capable of transmitting rotation between a first portion in the input member in which one of the gear elements of the gear element pair is arranged and a second portion in the input member in which one of the non-circular gear elements of the non-circular gear element pair is arranged, and an output side speed-up and reduction gear device that connects so as to be capable of transmitting rotation between a first portion in the output member in which the other one of the gear elements of the gear element pair is arranged and a second portion in the output member in which the other one of the non-circular gear elements of the non-circular gear element pair is arranged.
  • a rotation of the first portion in the input member is reduced (or speeded up) by the input side speed-up and reduction gear device arranged between the first portion in the input member and the second portion in the input member, to be transmitted to the second portion in the input member at the side of the non-circular gear element pair.
  • a rotation of the second portion in the input member is transmitted to the second portion in the output member via the non-circular gear element pair.
  • a rotation of the second portion in the output member is speeded up (or reduced) by the output side speed-up and reduction gear device arranged between the second portion in the output member and the first portion in the output member, to be transmitted to the first portion in the output member at the side of the gear element pair.
  • a time in which the non-circular gear element pair is coupled between the input member and the output member can be lengthened (or shortened) when switching the gear element pair coupled between the input member and the output member by the speed-up and reduction gear devices, and in accordance therewith, a time in which the clutch is operated can be lengthened (or shortened).
  • a time required for the operation of switching the clutches can be lengthened by making the rotations of the non-circular gear element pairs slower by the speed-up and reduction gear devices with appropriate reduction ratios, which makes it possible to easily change a reduction ratio.
  • a time required for switching a reduction ratio can be shortened by making the rotations of the non-circular gear element pairs faster by the speed-up and reduction gear devices with appropriate reduction ratios.
  • the clutch includes a one-way clutch.
  • a one-way clutch transmits the rotation at the input side to the output side. That is, the one-way clutch becomes an ON-state.
  • the input side and the output side respectively rotate independently. That is, the one-way clutch becomes an OFF-state.
  • the clutch that couples the gear element pair having a maximum reduction ratio among the gear element pairs releasably between the input member and the output member is a one-way clutch.
  • the present invention provides a transmission configured as follows.
  • a transmission includes (a) a first gear element pair and a second gear element pair which are at least two sets of gear element pairs, the first gear element pair and the second gear element pair are respectively arranged between an input member and an output member supported rotatably, (b) a first clutch and a second clutch which are at least two sets of clutches, the first clutch and the second clutch respectively couple at least two sets of the gear element pairs releasably between the input member and the output member, (c) at least one set of a non-circular gear element pair which is arranged between the input member and the output member, (d) at least one set of a non-circular gear element pair-use clutch that couples at least one set of the non-circular gear element pair releasably between the input member and the output member, (e) an input side speed-up and reduction gear device that connects so as to be capable of transmitting rotation between a first portion in the input member in which one of the gear elements of the gear element pair is arranged and a second portion in the input member in
  • the non-circular gear element pair includes a first meshing section in which a reduction ratio thereof becomes a first reduction ratio and a second meshing section in which a reduction ratio thereof becomes a second reduction ratio.
  • a product of the first reduction ratio of the non-circular gear element pair, a reduction ratio of the input side speed-up and reduction gear device, and a reduction ratio of the output side speed-up and reduction gear device is equal to a reduction ratio in at least a partial meshing section of the first gear element pair when the first gear element pair is coupled between the input member and the output member.
  • a product of the second reduction ratio of the non-circular gear element pair, a reduction ratio of the input side speed-up and reduction gear device, and a reduction ratio of the output side speed-up and reduction gear device is equal to a reduction ratio in at least a partial meshing section of the second gear element pair when the second gear element pair is coupled between the input member and the output member.
  • a time in which the non-circular gear element pair is coupled between the input member and the output member can be lengthened (or shortened) when the gear element pair coupled between the input member and the output member is switched by the speed-up and reduction gear devices, and in accordance therewith, a time in which the clutch is operated can be lengthened (or shortened).
  • a time required for the operation of switching the clutches can be lengthened by making the rotations of the non-circular gear element pairs slower by the speed-up and reduction gear devices with appropriate reduction ratios, which makes it possible to easily change a reduction ratio.
  • a time required for switching a reduction ratio can be shortened by making the rotations of the non-circular gear element pairs faster by the speed-up and reduction gear devices with appropriate reduction ratios.
  • the transmission because it is possible to put the transmission into a state in which a gear element pair is always coupled between the input member and the output member by using the non-circular gear elements, when a reduction ratio between the input member and the output member is changed, it is possible to change a reduction ratio while a load is supported without stopping rotation, and transmitting a rotation angle accurately and transmitting power efficiently. Further, the structure of the transmission is simple, which makes it possible to make an attempt to reduce its size and weight, and achieve a low cost.
  • FIG. 1 is a structural chart schematically showing a configuration of a transmission. (Embodiment 1)
  • FIG. 2 are diagrams schematically showing pitch circles or pitch curves of gears of the transmission. (Embodiment 1)
  • FIG. 3A is a graph schematically showing changes in a reduction ratio of a non-circular gear pair
  • FIG. 3B is a table showing ON and OFF of clutches.
  • FIG. 4A is a graph schematically showing changes in a reduction ratio of the non-circular gear pair
  • FIG. 4B is a table showing ON and OFF of the clutches.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the transmission. (Embodiment 1)
  • FIG. 6 are cross-sectional views showing the operations of the transmission. (Embodiment 1)
  • FIG. 7 are cross-sectional views showing the operations of the transmission. (Embodiment 1)
  • FIG. 8 is a structural chart schematically showing a configuration of a transmission. (Embodiment 2)
  • FIG. 9 are views schematically showing pitch circles or pitch curves of gears of the transmission. (Embodiment 2)
  • FIG. 10 is a structural chart schematically showing a configuration of a transmission. (Variation 2)
  • FIG. 11 is a structural chart schematically showing a configuration of a transmission. (Embodiment 3)
  • FIGS. 1 to 11 embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 .
  • Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 .
  • Embodiment 1 First, a basic configuration of a transmission in Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 .
  • a transmission 10 includes an input axle 12 and an output axle 14 which are supported rotatably, a first gear pair 16 , a second gear pair 17 , a non-circular gear pair 18 , and clutches 40 , 42 , and 44 .
  • the pairs of gears 20 and 30 , 22 and 32 , and 24 and 34 respectively mesh together, and there is no delay in a rotation angle. That is, the respective gear pairs 16 , 17 , and 18 transmit a rotation angle accurately, and transmit power efficiently.
  • One of the gears (input side gears) 20 , 22 , and 24 of the respective gear pairs 16 , 17 , and 18 are fixed to the input axle 12 , and these gears 20 , 22 , and 24 rotate integrally with the input axle 12 .
  • the other of the gears (output side gears) 30 , 32 , and 34 of the respective gear pairs 16 , 17 , and 18 are supported to be in a relatively rotatable state by the output axle 14 .
  • the output side gears 30 , 32 , and 34 are selectively connected to the output axle 14 with the clutches 40 , 42 , and 44 . That is, when the clutches 40 , 42 , and 44 are engaged, that is, in an ON-state, the corresponding output side gears 30 , 32 , and 34 are coupled to the output axle 14 , and the coupled output side gears 30 , 32 , and 34 and output axle 14 rotate integrally.
  • Meshing clutches such as dog clutches, jaw clutches, or tooth-shaped clutches are preferably used as the clutches 40 , 42 , and 44 .
  • the reason for this is that, in contrast to the possibility that friction clutches such as disk clutches and drum clutches cause slipping therein, the mechanical structures such as protrusions and holes formed at their driving sides and driven sides mesh together in meshing clutches, which does not cause slipping as in friction clutches, and therefore, it is possible to transmit a rotation angle extremely accurately and transmit power highly efficiently with use of meshing clutches.
  • the clutches 40 , 42 , and 44 are not limited to meshing clutches such as dog clutches, and friction clutches or the like other than meshing clutches may be used.
  • the clutches 40 , 42 , and 44 are driven by an actuator, and the operation of the actuator is controlled by a control device. Further, a phase of the non-circular gear pair 18 is detected by a sensor (not shown), and a detection signal from the sensor is input to the control device.
  • the control device controls ON and OFF of the clutches 40 , 42 , and 44 so as to be able to switch a reduction ratio without stopping rotation, to transmit a rotation angle accurately, and to transmit power efficiently.
  • the respective gear pairs 16 , 17 , and 18 are selectively coupled between the input axle 12 and the output axle 14 due to the clutches 40 , 42 , and 44 becoming an ON-state.
  • a reduction ratio between the input axle 12 and the output axle 14 becomes a relatively high constant reduction ratio R H .
  • a reduction ratio between the input axle 12 and the output axle 14 becomes a relatively low constant reduction ratio R L .
  • a reduction ratio between the input axle 12 and the output axle 14 changes within a range including at least the reduction ratios R H and R L .
  • the gears of the respective gear pairs 16 , 17 , and 18 are expressed in meshing pitch circles (hereinafter, simply called “pitch circles”) or meshing pitch curves (hereinafter, simply called “pitch curves”), and illustrations of the faces of teeth are omitted
  • the first and second gear pairs 16 and 17 are circular gears in which pitch circles 20 p and 30 p , and 22 p and 32 p of the paired gears 20 and 30 , and 22 and 32 contact each other.
  • the paired gears 24 and 34 of the non-circular gear pair 18 are non-circular gears.
  • the pitch curves of the paired gears 24 and 34 of the non-circular gear pair 18 have a first section 25 and 35 which is equal to the circular arcs of the pitch circles 20 p and 30 p of the first gear pair 16 with the reduction ratio R H , a third section 27 and 37 which is equal to the circular arcs of the pitch circles 22 p and 32 p of the second gear pair with the reduction ratio R L , and second and fourth sections 26 and 36 , and 28 and 38 where their reduction ratios change between R H and R L .
  • FIGS. 3A and 4A are graphs of reduction ratios of the non-circular gear pair 18 .
  • Rotation angles of the input axle 12 are plotted along the abscissas, and reduction ratios between the input side gear 24 and the output side gear 34 are plotted along the coordinates.
  • the ON-states of the clutches 40 , 42 , and 44 are denoted by “ ⁇ ” marks, and the OFF-states of the clutches 40 , 42 , and 44 are left blank.
  • the clutch 40 of the first gear pair 16 with the reduction ratio R H is described as “clutch (R H ),” the clutch 42 of the second gear pair 17 with the reduction ratio R L is described as “clutch (R L ),” and the clutch 44 of the non-circular gear pair 18 whose reduction ratio changes is described as “clutch (variable speed).”
  • the clutches 40 , 42 , and 44 are operated as follows.
  • the reduction ratio between the input axle 12 and the output axle 14 becomes the constant reduction ratio R L , and the meshing of the second gear pair 17 enables to transmit a rotation angle accurately and transmit power efficiently from the input axle 12 to the output axle 14 .
  • meshing clutches such as dog clutches can be used as the clutches 40 , 42 , and 44 without problems.
  • the reduction ratio between the input axle 12 and the output axle 14 becomes the constant reduction ratio R H , and the meshing of the first gear pair 16 enables to transmit a rotation angle accurately and transmit power efficiently from the input axle 12 to the output axle 14 .
  • the input side gears 20 , 22 , and 24 of the respective gear pairs 16 , 17 , and 18 are fixed to the input axle 12 in series.
  • the output side gears 30 , 32 , and 34 of the respective gear pairs 16 , 17 , and 18 are supported in series so as to be relatively rotatable, but being immovable axially by the output axle 14 .
  • a shifter 41 of a circular gear-use clutch 500 is arranged between the output side gear 30 of the first gear pair 16 and the output side gear 32 of the second gear pair 17 .
  • the circular gear-use clutch 500 serves as the shifter 41 as well, to achieve the both functions as a first clutch for the first gear pair 16 and a second clutch for the second gear pair 17 .
  • a shifter 45 of a non-circular gear-use clutch 502 is arranged between the output side gear 32 of the second gear pair 17 and the output side gear 34 of the non-circular gear pair 18 .
  • the shifters 41 and 45 of the circular gear-use clutch 500 and the non-circular gear-use clutch 502 are supported slidably along splines formed in the output axle 14 .
  • the shifters 41 and 45 are freely-movable axially along the output axle 14 , but are not relatively rotatable with respect to the output axle 14 , and the shifters 41 and 45 rotate integrally with the output axle 14 .
  • Slots 41 x and 45 x into which an actuator (not shown) is fitted are formed in the outer circumferential surfaces of the shifters 41 and 45 of the circular gear-use clutch 500 and the non-circular gear-use clutch 502 .
  • the shifter 41 of the circular gear-use clutch 500 moves to the both sides as shown by arrows 41 s and 41 t from the intermediate position shown in FIG. 5 by driving of the actuator (not shown) fitted into the slot 41 x .
  • the shifter 45 of the non-circular gear-use clutch 502 moves to only the one side shown by an arrow 45 t from the waiting position shown in FIG. 5 by driving of the actuator (not shown) fitted into the slot 45 x.
  • protrusions (dogs) 41 a and 41 b are formed at predetermined pitches on a side face facing the output side gear 30 of the first gear pair 16 and a side face facing the output side gear 32 of the second gear pair 17 .
  • recessed portions (dog holes) 31 and 33 are formed at predetermined pitches so as to correspond to the protrusions 41 a and 41 b of the shifter 41 of the circular gear-use clutch 500 , in side faces facing the shifter 41 of the circular gear-use clutch 500 .
  • the shifter 41 of the circular gear-use clutch 500 moves in the directions shown by the arrows 41 s and 41 t , the protrusions 41 a and 41 b of the shifter 41 of the circular gear-use clutch 500 are fitted into the recessed portions 31 and 33 of the output side gears 30 and 32 , and the output axle 14 and the output side gears 30 and 32 rotate integrally via the shifter 41 of the circular gear-use clutch 500 . That is, the first or second gear pair 16 or 17 is coupled between the input axle 12 and the output axle 14 , which makes it possible to transmit a rotation angle accurately, and transmit power efficiently to the output axle 14 via the first or second gear pair 16 or 17 from the input axle 12 .
  • protrusions (dogs) 45 b are formed at predetermined pitches on a side face facing the output side gear 34 of the non-circular gear pair 18 .
  • recessed portions (dog holes) 35 are formed at predetermined pitches so as to correspond to the protrusions 45 b of the shifter 45 of the non-circular gear-use clutch 502 , on the side face facing the shifter 45 of the non-circular gear-use clutch 502 .
  • the shifter 45 of the non-circular gear-use clutch 502 moves to the direction shown by the arrow 45 t , the protrusions 45 b of the shifter 45 of the non-circular gear-use clutch 502 are fitted into the recessed portions 35 of the output side gears 34 of the non-circular gear pair 18 , and the output axle 14 and the output side gear 34 rotate integrally via the shifter 45 of the non-circular gear-use clutch 502 . That is, the non-circular gear pair 18 is coupled between the input axle 12 and the output axle 14 , which makes it possible to transmit a rotation angle accurately, and transmit power efficiently to the output axle 14 via the non-circular gear pair 18 from the input axle 12 .
  • the rotation angle and power are transmitted from the input axle 12 to the output axle 14 via (a) the input side gear 20 and the output side gear 30 of the first gear pair 16 , and the shifter 41 of the circular gear-use clutch 500 , and via (b) the input side gear 24 and the output side gear 34 of the non-circular gear pair 18 , and the shifter 45 of the non-circular gear-use clutch 502 .
  • the shifter 41 of the circular gear-use clutch 500 moves to the intermediate position, and the fit with the output side gear 30 of the first gear pair 16 is released, and only the non-circular gear pair 18 is coupled between the input axle 12 and the output axle 14 .
  • the rotation angle and power are transmitted from the input axle 12 to the output axle 14 via the input side gear 24 and the output side gear 34 of the non-circular gear pair 18 , and the shifter 45 of the non-circular gear-use clutch 502 .
  • the reduction ratio of the non-circular gear pair 18 changes from R H to R L .
  • the rotation angle and power are transmitted from the input axle 12 to the output axle 14 via (a) the input side gear 22 and the output side gear 32 of the second gear pair 17 , and the shifter 41 of the circular gear-use clutch 500 , and via (b) the input side gear 24 and the output side gear 34 of the non-circular gear pair 18 , and the shifter 45 of the non-circular gear-use clutch 502 .
  • the reduction ratio of the non-circular gear pair 18 changes between the maximum value R H and the minimum value R L , and an average of the reduction ratios of the non-circular gear pair 18 is 1 (when the input side gear 24 rotates once, the output side gear 34 as well rotates once). Further, it is assumed that, when the input axle 12 rotates by ⁇ (radian), the non-circular gear pair 18 in a state of meshing together at the center position in a meshing section in which the reduction ratio becomes R H (or R L ) becomes a state of meshing together at the center position in a meshing section in which the reduction ratio becomes R L (or R H ).
  • Phase differences between the output axle 14 and the respective output side gears 30 , 32 , and 34 are, by using the output axle 14 as a standard, values in which the rotation angle of the output axle 14 is subtracted from the rotation angles of the respective output side gears 30 , 32 , and 34 in Table 1, and those values are as shown in the following Table 2.
  • TaBLE 2 Input side gears output side gears output side gears output side gears of of of first gear pair second gear pair non-circular gear pair (1)
  • the number of the protrusions 41 b (dog holes 33 ) of the clutch 500 to allow the second gear pair into an ON or OFF-state is n. It is assumed that the protrusions (dog holes) are positioned at even intervals on one circle. For example, if the K L /(2 ⁇ ) becomes (integer)/n with respect to any one of m LH , m HL , m L , and m H , the protrusions 41 b and the dog holes 33 of the clutch 500 can be fitted into one another, and therefore, a dog clutch can be used for the output side gear 32 of the second gear pair 17 . In this case, it suffices to satisfy the following formula.
  • the number of the protrusions 41 b (dog holes 33 ) of the clutch 500 to allow the second gear pair into an ON or OFF-state is n. It is assumed that the protrusions (dog holes) are positioned at even intervals on one circle. For example, if K L /(2 ⁇ ) becomes (integer)/n with respect any one of m LH , m HL , m L ′, and m H ′, the protrusions 41 b and the dog holes 33 of the clutch 500 can be fitted into one another, and therefore, a dog clutch can be used for the output side gear 32 of the second gear pair 17 . In this case, it suffices to satisfy the following formula.
  • n 2n′ (where n′ is an integer, i.e., n is an even number), and
  • the solution of (2) is an example of (1/R L +1/R H )/2 ⁇ 1.
  • the transmission 10 can be composed of dog clutches.
  • the transmission 10 can be composed of dog clutches.
  • an average of the reduction ratios of the non-circular gear pair 18 can be made into 2 by use of the input side gear 24 having one set of the section of the reduction ratio R H and the section of the reduction ratio R L , and the output side gear 34 having two sets of the section of the reduction ratio R H and the section of the reduction ratio R L .
  • an average of the reduction ratios of the non-circular gear pair 18 can be made into 3 by use of the input side gear 24 having one set of the section of the reduction ratio R H and the section of the reduction ratio R L , and the output side gear 34 having three sets of the section of the reduction ratio R H and the section of the reduction ratio R L .
  • the specifications of the gears used for first and second gear pairs are shown in the following Table 3.
  • the gear ( 1 ) is at the input side
  • the gear ( 2 ) is at the output side
  • the gear (1) is at the output side
  • the gear ( 2 ) is at the input side.
  • the reduction ratios of the first and second gear pairs are 1.25 and 0.8.
  • gear(1) gear(2) module 2 2 pressure angle 20° 20° helix angle 0° 0° number of teeth 32 40 reference circle diameter 64 mm 80 mm addendum circle diameter 68 mm 84 mm width of tooth 20 mm 20 mm center distance 72 mm
  • non-circular gear pair two non-circular gears having a same shape are meshed together.
  • the non-circular gears are manufactured by use of a module 2 and a tool with a pressure angle of 20° so as to have 36 teeth in all and such that a reference circle diameter in a meshing section at 0° ⁇ approximately 38° becomes 32 mm, and a reference circle diameter in a meshing section at 180° ⁇ approximately 30° becomes 40 mm, and those are meshed together with a distance of center of 72 mm.
  • the reduction ratio in the section in which a rotation angle of one of the non-circular gears is 0° ⁇ approximately 38° is 1.25, and the reduction ratio in the section in which a rotation angle thereof is 180° ⁇ approximately 30° is 0.8.
  • the meshing clutches respectively having 200 teeth (protrusions) have been provided at the output sides of the first and second gear pairs and the non-circular gear pair.
  • the transmission in the manufacturing example was capable of smoothly switching a reduction ratio while transmitting rotation and power by making the meshing clutches become an ON or OFF-state.
  • Embodiment 1 because the non-circular gear pair 18 rotates increasing and decreasing its reduction ratio in an unloaded condition when the clutch 44 is in an OFF-state, the non-circular gears 24 and 34 relatively move within their backlash range, which may cause a problem of vibration thereby.
  • slidingly-contact members whose cross sections perpendicular to the axes of the outer circumferential surfaces substantially match to the pitch curves of the respective non-circular gears 24 and 34 , may be provided in parallel with the non-circular gears 24 and 34 (for example, the slidingly-contact members are fixed to the non-circular gears 24 and 34 ), and the slidingly-contact members may rotate integrally with the non-circular gears 24 and 34 while their outer circumferential surfaces always frictionally contact each other.
  • a free movement of the backlash between the non-circular gears 24 and 34 is limited by the frictional contact of the outer circumferential surfaces of the slidingly-contact members to some extent, which makes it possible to reduce vibration and noise.
  • the non-circular gear pair 18 may cause a vibration due to unbalanced mass or the like. It is impossible to avoid such a vibration in a state in which the clutch 44 is in an ON-state in a process in which the reduction ratio is changed. However, when the non-circular gear pair 18 rotates at a constant reduction ratio, i.e., in a state in which the clutch 44 is in an OFF-state, the non-circular gear pair 18 is made not to rotate, to avoid such a vibration.
  • a clutch 144 is provided between one of the gears (input side gear) 24 of the non-circular gear pair 18 and the input axle 12 as well in addition to the configuration of Embodiment 1 in FIG. 1 . Then, when the non-circular gear pair 18 rotates at a constant reduction ratio, the clutches 44 and 144 are made into an OFF-state, to interrupt transmission of the rotations from both of the input axle 12 and the output axle 14 to the non-circular gear pair 18 , and to operate a brake (not shown) to stop the rotation of the non-circular gear pair 18 . Thereby, it is possible not to cause a vibration due to a rotation of the non-circular gear pair 18 .
  • the clutches 40 , 42 , and 44 are operated in the same way as in Embodiment 1.
  • the non-circular gear pair 18 stopping may be made to rotate due to the clutch 144 becoming an ON-state.
  • the non-circular gear pair 18 may be driven to rotate by a motor (not shown) etc., in a state in which the clutch 144 is in an OFF-state, and after a rotation speed of the one of the gears (input side gear) 24 of the non-circular gear pair 18 is substantially matched to a rotation speed of the input axle 12 , the clutch 144 may be made into an ON-state.
  • a friction clutch may be required to be used as the clutch 144 .
  • a sensor (not shown) to detect a phase of the non-circular gear pair 18 is provided, and a detection signal is input to a control device (not shown).
  • the control device is capable of operating the actuator for the clutches 40 , 42 , and 44 in accordance with a phase of the non-circular gear pair 18 after the clutch 144 is made into an ON-state, to perform the control for switching the reduction ratio.
  • Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 .
  • a transmission 50 in Embodiment 2 includes an input axle 52 , an output axle 54 , a first gear pair 55 , a second gear pair 56 , a third gear pair 57 , a first non-circular gear pair 58 , a second non-circular gear pair 59 , and clutches 80 , 82 , 84 , 86 , and 88 .
  • the reduction ratios of the first to third gear pairs 55 , 56 , and 57 are respectively R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 , where those are R 1 >R 2 >R 3 .
  • the pairs of gears 60 and 70 , 62 and 72 , 64 and 74 , 66 and 76 , and 68 and 78 respectively mesh together.
  • One of the gears (input side gears) 60 , 62 , 64 , 66 , and 68 of the respective gear pairs 55 to 59 are fixed to the input axle 52 , and the input side gears 60 , 62 , 64 , 66 , and 68 rotate integrally with the input axle 52 .
  • the other of the gears (output side gears) 70 , 72 , 74 , 76 , and 78 of the respective gear pairs 55 to 59 are supported to be in a relatively rotatable state by the output axle 54 .
  • the output side gears 70 , 72 , 74 , 76 , and 78 are connected to the output axle 54 so as to be releasable by clutches 80 , 82 , 84 , 86 , and 88 .
  • the first to third gear pairs 55 , 56 , and 57 are circular gears whose pitch circles 60 p and 70 p , 62 p and 72 p , and 64 p and 74 p of the paired gears 60 and 70 , 62 and 72 , and 64 and 74 contact each other.
  • the paired gears 66 and 76 of the first non-circular gear pair 58 are non-circular gears.
  • the pitch curves of the paired gears 66 and 76 have a first section 101 and 111 which is equal to the circular arcs of the pitch circles 64 p and 74 p of the third gear pair 57 with the reduction ratio R 3 , a third section 103 and 113 which is equal to the circular arcs of the pitch circles 62 p and 72 p of the second gear pair 56 with the reduction ratio R 2 , a fifth section 105 and 115 which is equal to the circular arcs of the pitch circles 60 p and 70 p of the first gear pair 55 with the reduction ratio R 1 , a second section 102 and 112 in which the reduction ratio changes between R 3 and R 2 , a fourth section 104 and 114 in which the reduction ratio changes between R 2 and R 1 , and a sixth section 106 and 116 in which the reduction ratio changes between R 1 and R 3 .
  • the gears mesh together in the order of the respective sections 101 and 111 , 102 and 112 , 103 and 113 , 104 and 114 , 105 and 115 , and 106 and 116 . That is, the reduction ratio of the first non-circular gear pair 58 repeats a state of changing as R 3 ⁇ R 2 ⁇ R 1 .
  • the paired gears 68 and 78 of the second non-circular gear pair 59 are non-circular gears.
  • the pitch curves of the gears 68 and 78 have a first section 201 and 211 which is equal to the circular arcs of the pitch circles 64 p and 74 p of the third gear pair 57 with the reduction ratio R 3 , a third section 203 and 213 which is equal to the circular arcs of the pitch circles 60 p and 70 p of the first gear pair 55 with the reduction ratio R 1 , a fifth section 205 and 215 which is equal to the circular arcs of the pitch circles 62 p and 72 p of the second gear pair 56 with the reduction ratio R 2 , a second section 202 and 212 in which the reduction ratio changes between R 3 and R 1 , a fourth section 204 and 214 in which the reduction ratio changes between R 1 and R 2 , and a sixth section 206 and 216 in which the reduction ratio changes between R 2 and R 3 .
  • the gears mesh together in the order of the respective sections 201 and 211 , 202 and 212 , 203 and 213 , 204 and 214 , 205 and 215 , and 206 and 216 . That is, the reduction ratio of the second non-circular gear pair 59 repeats a state of changing as R 3 ⁇ R 1 ⁇ R 2 .
  • the first non-circular gear pair 58 is used for a case in which the reduction ratio is switched from R 3 to R 2 and a case in which the reduction ratio is switched from R 2 to R 1 .
  • the reduction ratio is switched from R 3 to R 1 , for example, first, the reduction ratio is switched from R 3 to R 2 , and next, the reduction ratio is switched from R 2 to R 1 .
  • the second non-circular gear pair 59 is used for a case in which the reduction ratio is switched from R 1 to R 2 and a case in which the reduction ratio is switched from R 2 to R 3 .
  • the reduction ratio is switched from R 1 to R 3 , for example, first, the reduction ratio is switched from R 1 to R 2 , and next, the reduction ratio is switched from R 2 to R 3 .
  • One-way clutches can be used as some clutches.
  • a one-way clutch becomes an ON-state when the input side is going to rotate in the forward direction faster than the output side, to transmit the rotation at the input side to the output side, and the input side and the output side rotate at a same rotation speed.
  • a one-way clutch becomes an OFF-state when the input side rotates in the forward direction slower than the output side, and the input side and the output side rotate at respective rotation speeds.
  • a one-way clutch is used between the output side gears and the output member (output axle) of a gear element pair having a maximum reduction ratio.
  • the reduction ratio of the transmission is switched in a state in which the one-way clutch is in an ON-state, i.e., in a state in which the reduction ratio of the transmission is at a maximum, the reduction ratio is decreased. Therefore, the rotation speed of the output member is increased, the rotation of the output side is made faster than that of the input side of the one-way clutch, and the one-way clutch automatically becomes an OFF-state.
  • the one-way clutch automatically becomes an ON-state at a stage at which the clutch for the non-circular gear element pair used for switching the rotation ratio is made into an OFF-state. Because the clutch for the gear element pair having a maximum reduction ratio is automatically switched ON and OFF, it is possible to simplify the clutch control.
  • a one-way clutch is series-connected to a main clutch that is capable of controlling to switch ON and OFF, the main clutch is made into an ON-state in advance, and the one-way clutch can be made to automatically an ON-state at an appropriate timing, or the main clutch can be made into an OFF-state after the one-way clutch becomes an OFF-state at an appropriate timing, which makes it easy to control timings for switching to ON and OFF of the clutches.
  • a non-circular gear element pair in which the reduction ratio changes between R H and R L (R H >R L )
  • a non-circular gear element pair in which a one-way clutch is series-connected to a main clutch between the output side gears and an output member (output axle) is used.
  • the transmission may be configured such that a one-way clutch is used between output side gears and an output member (output axle) of a gear element pair having a maximum reduction ratio, and a non-circular gear element pair in which a one-way clutch is series-connected to a main clutch that is capable of controlling to switch ON and OFF is connected between its output side gears and an output member (output axle) is used.
  • a bidirectional one-way clutch (for example, a clutch called two-way clutch, or the like) which is one type of one-way clutch may be used.
  • a certain type of bidirectional one-way clutch becomes an ON-state when an absolute value of a rotation speed at the input side is going to be greater than an absolute value of a rotation speed at the output side, and the input side and the output side rotate at a same rotation speed.
  • the one-way clutch becomes an OFF-state when an absolute value of a rotation speed at the input side is less than an absolute value of a rotation speed at the output side, and the input side and the output side rotate at respective rotation speeds.
  • a transmission 50 a of Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 11 .
  • the transmission 50 a of Embodiment 3 is configured to be substantially the same as the transmission 50 of Embodiment 2.
  • points different from Embodiment 2 will be mainly described, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and letters.
  • speed-up and reduction gear devices 69 and 79 are provided between the first to third gear pairs 55 , 56 , and 57 and the first and second non-circular gear pairs 58 and 59 .
  • an input axle 52 a and an output axle 54 a are divided into first portions 52 s and 54 s in which the first to third gear pairs 55 , 56 , and 57 are arranged, and second portions 52 t and 54 t in which the first and second non-circular gear pairs 58 and 59 are arranged, and the first portions 52 s and 54 s and the second portions 52 t and 54 t are connected so as to be capable of transmitting rotation via the speed-up and reduction gear devices 69 and 79 .
  • the reduction ratio of the input side speed-up and reduction gear device 69 is defined as N i1 /N i2 by use of a rotation speed N i1 of the first portion 52 s in the input axle 52 a and a rotation speed N i2 of the second portion 52 t in the input axle 52 a .
  • the reduction ratio of the output side speed-up and reduction gear device 79 is defined as N o2 /N o1 by use of a rotation speed N o2 of the second portion 54 t in the output axle 54 a and a rotation speed N o1 of the first portion 54 s in the output axle 54 a . It is necessary to pay attention to the point that the definition of the reduction ratio of the output side speed-up and reduction gear device 79 is not N o1 /N o2 .
  • the rotation speeds at the side of the non-circular gear pairs 58 and 59 can be made slower by the speed-up and reduction gear devices 69 and 79 . That is, the reduction ratio of the input side speed-up and reduction gear device 69 provided between the first portion 52 s and the second portion 52 t in the input axle 52 a is made into R 0 , to make a rotation speed of the second portion 52 t of the input axle 52 a slower than a rotation speed of first portion 52 s in the input axle 52 a , and the reduction ratio of the output side speed-up and reduction gear device 79 provided between the second portion 54 t and the first portion 54 s in the output axle 54 a is made into 1/R 0 , to make a rotation speed of the second portion 54 t in the output axle 54 a slower than a rotation speed of the first portion 54 s in the output axle 54 a .
  • a reduction ratio of the first gear pair 55 is R 1
  • a reduction ratio of the second gear pair 56 is R 2
  • a reduction ratio in a certain section of the first non-circular gear pair 58 is R 1 ′
  • a reduction ratio in another section of the first non-circular gear pair 58 is R 2 ′
  • the transmission and the gear changing method of the present invention it is possible to change a reduction ratio while a load is supported without stopping rotation, and transmitting a rotation angle accurately and transmitting power efficiently.
  • the transmission and the gear changing method of the present invention because it is possible to transmit power efficiently when a reduction ratio is changed, and continue supporting a load, the transmission and the gear changing method of the present invention are suitable for, for example, driving systems for bicycles, automobiles, motorcycles, and the like.
  • the transmission and the gear changing method of the present invention are suitable for, for example, driving systems required to precisely control a rotation angle, which are for robots, machine tools, and the like.
  • clutches may be provided at the input axle side.
  • clutches are provided at the input axle side when reducing a speed
  • a clutch may be provided at the output axle side or at the input axle side for each gear pair.
  • clutches may be provided at both of the output axle side and the input axle side.
  • Clutches of types except for dog clutches may be used as clutches. Clutches such as electromagnetic clutches in which the clutches and an actuator are integrated, may be used. Clutches using electrorheological fluid or clutches using magnetorheological fluid may be used.
  • non-circular gear element pairs not only non-circular gear element pairs whose reduction ratios gradually change with respect to rotations, but also non-circular gear element pairs whose reduction ratios rapidly change may be used.
  • a balance weight may be attached.
  • the reduction ratio of the transmission may be another number except for 1. Because the non-circular gear element pairs are required to mesh with each other, the reduction ratio can be an integer, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, . . . , or the like. In this case as well, meshing clutches such as dog clutches may be used.
  • the transmission of the present invention can be used, not only when reducing a speed, but also when increasing a speed, i.e., for a case in which a rotation speed of the output axle is higher than that of the input axle. In this case as well, meshing clutches such as dog clutches may be used.
  • the transmission may be configured such that, for example, the first non-circular gear element pair has a meshing section in which the reduction ratio becomes a low reduction ratio and a medium reduction ratio, and the second non-circular gear element pair has a meshing section in which the reduction ratio becomes a high reduction ratio and a medium reduction ratio, and when a reduction ratio is changed from the low reduction ratio to the medium reduction ratio, and from the medium reduction ratio to the low reduction ratio, the first non-circular gear element pair is used, and when the reduction ratio is changed from the high reduction ratio to the medium reduction ratio, and from the medium reduction ratio to the high reduction ratio, the second non-circular gear element pair is used.
  • the first gear speed is the highest reduction ratio and the fifth gear speed is the lowest reduction ratio
  • a first non-circular gear element pair whose reduction ratio changes in the order of the first gear speed, the second gear speed, and the third gear speed
  • a second non-circular gear element pair whose reduction ratio changes in the order of the third gear speed, the second gear speed, and the first gear speed
  • a third non-circular gear element pair whose reduction ratio changes in the order of the third gear speed, the fourth gear speed, and the fifth gear speed
  • a fourth non-circular gear element pair whose reduction ratio changes in the order of the fifth gear speed, the fourth gear speed, and the third gear speed
  • a first non-circular gear element pair whose reduction ratio changes between the first gear speed and the second gear speed a second non-circular gear element pair whose reduction ratio changes between the second gear speed and the third gear speed, a third non-circular gear element pair whose reduction ratio changes between the third gear speed and the fourth gear speed, and a fourth non-circular gear element pair whose reduction ratio changes between the fourth gear speed and the fifth gear speed, may be used.
  • a first non-circular gear element pair whose reduction ratio changes in the order of the first gear speed, the second gear speed, the third gear speed, the fourth gear speed, and the fifth gear speed
  • a second non-circular gear element pair whose reduction ratio changes in the order of the fifth gear speed, the fourth gear speed, the third gear speed, the second gear speed, and the first gear speed
  • the non-circular gear element pair-use clutches may be provided, not only between the second portion in the input member or the output member and the non-circular gear element pair, but also between the input side or output side speed-up and reduction gear device and the second portion in the input member or the output member, in the input side or output side speed-up and reduction gear device, between the input side or output side speed-up and reduction gear device and the first portion in the input member or the output member, and the like.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Structure Of Transmissions (AREA)
US12/312,512 2006-11-22 2007-11-15 Transmission and gear changing method Expired - Fee Related US8096202B2 (en)

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JP2006-316164 2006-11-22
JP2006316164 2006-11-22
PCT/JP2007/072215 WO2008062718A1 (en) 2006-11-22 2007-11-15 Transmission and gear changing method

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US20100064848A1 US20100064848A1 (en) 2010-03-18
US8096202B2 true US8096202B2 (en) 2012-01-17

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US20140216206A1 (en) * 2010-08-07 2014-08-07 Christian Krajewski Motor vehicle drive arrangement
US10533639B2 (en) * 2015-05-29 2020-01-14 Jing-Jin Electric Technologies Co., Ltd. Automatic transmission

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JP5548899B2 (ja) * 2009-02-09 2014-07-16 いすゞ自動車株式会社 変速機
CN102146989B (zh) * 2010-09-30 2016-02-10 湖北汽车工业学院 分段连续无级变速传动系统装置
JP5733714B2 (ja) * 2010-12-17 2015-06-10 国立大学法人京都大学 非円形歯車対を備えた変速機
JP5621575B2 (ja) * 2010-12-17 2014-11-12 国立大学法人京都大学 非円形歯車対を用いた変速機の変速方法
JP5791024B2 (ja) * 2011-02-03 2015-10-07 国立大学法人京都大学 非円形歯車対を備えた変速機
EP3336392A4 (de) 2015-08-10 2018-07-25 Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha Getriebe und fahrzeug
US10393230B2 (en) * 2016-08-03 2019-08-27 Cnh Industrial America Llc Transmission system for a work vehicle
JP6955157B2 (ja) * 2017-11-06 2021-10-27 株式会社椿本チエイン スプロケット及び伝動機構
PL424466A1 (pl) * 2018-02-01 2019-08-12 Mariusz Łosiak Sposób i urządzenie do automatycznego zamykania worka stanowiącego formę w procesie przemysłowej produkcji sera twarogowego
CA3165829A1 (en) * 2020-02-12 2021-08-19 Raja Ramanujam Rajendran Infinitely variable transmission with uniform input-to-output ratio that is non-dependent on friction
DE102021109207A1 (de) * 2021-04-13 2022-10-13 Karlheinz Nicolai Fahrradtretlagergetriebe mit miteinander gekoppelten Kupplungsvorrichtungen
DE102021109204A1 (de) * 2021-04-13 2022-10-13 Karlheinz Nicolai Fahrradtretlagergetriebe mit miteinander gekoppelten Kupplungsvorrichtungen
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US20140216206A1 (en) * 2010-08-07 2014-08-07 Christian Krajewski Motor vehicle drive arrangement
US9061586B2 (en) * 2010-08-07 2015-06-23 Daimler Ag Motor vehicle drive arrangement
US10533639B2 (en) * 2015-05-29 2020-01-14 Jing-Jin Electric Technologies Co., Ltd. Automatic transmission

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WO2008062718A1 (en) 2008-05-29
EP2527688B1 (de) 2014-03-19
JPWO2008062718A1 (ja) 2010-03-04
EP2096331A4 (de) 2010-11-03
EP2527688A2 (de) 2012-11-28
EP2096331B1 (de) 2013-01-16
US20100064848A1 (en) 2010-03-18
JP4918705B2 (ja) 2012-04-18
EP2096331A1 (de) 2009-09-02
EP2527688A3 (de) 2013-04-10

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